restaurant – The Gluten Free Suitcase

My earliest memories of Rome are full of gluten – a smorgasbord of pasta, pizza, arancini, pastries and more. Going gluten free definitely made me fear that this city – a long-standing favourite holiday destination of my family’s – would never be the same again. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Like much of Italy, Rome takes coeliac disease and gluten free eating incredibly seriously and if anything there is now too much choice! I have pulled all my favourites together into one handy guide and I highly recommend you work your way through all of these gems! Buon appetito!

Le Altre Farine del Mulino

One of the newer additions to the Roman gluten free scene, Le Altre Farine del Mulino is a 100% gluten free bakery near the Vatican. With an epic cake, sweet and pastry selection as well as lactose free options, Le Altre Farine is an ideal spot for breakfast or a snack on a sightseeing day. I loved the calzone here so much I had two – so make sure you grab one to go!

Where?
Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 151/153
00165 Rome, Italy

Pasticceria Napoleoni Gluten Free

Located next to the Colli Albani metro station, Pasticceria Napoleoni is an impressive bakery with a dedicated gluten free counter and cake fridge. I sampled a selection of pastries when I was last there and they did not disappoint. At lunchtime, fresh sandwiches, pizza and other savoury delights are brought out. Worth stopping here for a coffee and some people watching, especially at breakfast time when some of Rome’s busiest espresso drinkers appear. Closed on Mondays.

Where?
Via Appia Nuova, 590
00179 Roma RM, Italy

A Gogo – Gluten Free

Another regular bakery with impressive gluten free options, A Gogo offers a variety of cakes and savoury snacks, which are displayed in their own separate counter. I had some of the best arancini that Rome has to offer, which I took to go and fuelled me during a busy day of walking. Make sure you check for any daily specials as A Gogo sometimes changes up its gluten free offerings.

Where?
Viale Giulio Cesare 66/68
00192 Rome, Italy

Celiachiamo Lab

I cannot explain the excitement I felt when I cam across Celiachiamo Lab – a 100% new hot spot which is home to both a supermarket and bakery. I found a huge array of gluten free items I had never seen before and of course couldn’t resist buying them to fill up my suitcase. The pastry selection is outrageous, with Nutella-stuffed croissants, tarts, cakes, freshly baked bread and much much more. Celiachiamo also sells hot pizza by the slice with dairy free options available too. A MUST visit!

Where?
Via della Magliana, 183
00146 Roma, Italy

Pandali

Pandali is another 100% gluten free bakery situated near to the Pantheon. It is open every day of the week for late breakfast and lunch, and specials change most days, with wholesome vegan salad bowls, arancini, pizza and sandwiches on rotation. Pandali also has a huge array of cookies and cakes, some of which are dairy free. Don’t forget to order a gluten free beer to wash all the treats down with!

Where?
Via di Torre Argentina 3
00186 Roma, Italy

Grom

Our favourite gluten free gelateria has multiple locations across Rome, which means we can indulge in gelato worry-free! The joys of eating ice cream in a cone will never get old for me, especially as the ones on offer in Grom do not taste gluten free in the slightest. Grom has also added several other sweet treats to its menu including brioche, cookies and fantastic hot chocolate. Check the company website for your nearest branch in Rome.

Voglia di Pizza

My original favourite in Rome, Voglia di Pizza is home to some of the best pizza I have ever had. The dough is so good, I cried the first time I ate here seven years ago and have been going back ever since. The pasta options are also vast, as well as a number of deep fried starters like supli and arancini. Voglia di Pizza takes dietary requirements incredibly seriously and places a little flag in each and every gluten free dish they serve. Don’t forget to save room for a gluten free tiramisu to finish!

Where?
Via dei Giubbonari, 33
00186 Roma, Italy

Mama Eat Gluten Free

I’ve eaten a number of fantastic meals at Mama Eat – including some of the best gluten free rigatoni I’ve ever tried and brilliant arancini, deep fried mozzarella and pizza dough. All the gluten free food is prepared in a separate kitchen to avoid cross contamination so it is an entirely worry-free environment. The staff are clued up and the service is perfect and it is no wonder this restaurant is always packed! Open 7 days a week and well worth a visit (or two).

Where?
Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9
00153 Roma RM, Italy

Mama Eat Street Food

A grab and go branch of the above mentioned Mama Eat restaurant, this 100% gluten free hole-in-the-wall eatery is located close to the Vatican and perfect for lunch. On the menu is a selection of pizzas, arancini, fried seafood, and a monster meatball and fries combo which I feasted on in the street, barely breathing as I was eating it so fast. While the restaurant is advertised as street food and light bites, I strongly advise you go hungry – the portions are incredibly generous.

Where?
Borgo Pio, 28
00193 Roma Italy

La Soffita Renovatio

Eating here was truly one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The gluten free menu is mind-blowing and even includes homemade ravioli, which I enjoyed in a classic butter and sage sauce and fantastic pizza. Start your meal with a generous serving of calamari and fried zucchini because why not. It’s easy to not have enough room for dessert after a meal here so I highly recommend you take it to go. Ask your waiter for the daily cake options and prepare to be amazed! Booking in advance to avoid disappointment is recommended.

Where?
Piazza del Risorgimento 46/a
00192 Rome, Italy

Pantha Rei

Another gem tucked behind the Patheon, Pantha Rei offers up a fantastic gluten free menu upon request and does everything it can to ensure there is no cross contamination in its restaurant. I turn into a creature of habit whenever I visit, and usually order gnocchi (who here is surprised?) which never disappoints. Wash it down with gluten free beer or a lovely glass of Italian wine for the ultimate and relaxed lunch or dinner experience.

Where?
Via della Minerva 19
00186 Roma, Italy

Il Viaggio

If you’re in the mood for some fine dining while in Rome, Il Viaggio offers a delicate twist on many classic Italian dishes and a tasting menu for those with a bit more time on their hands. All the menu can be made gluten free and again, the staff here take dietary requirements incredibly seriously and the restaurant is accredited by the Italian Coeliac Association. The homemade gluten free bread is delicious and a great pre-cursor to a lovely main course. I enjoyed gluten free cannelloni last time I ate at Il Viaggio and hope it’s still on the menu when I next go back!

Where?
Via Isonzo 14
00198 Rome, Italy

McDonald’s

Yes, you read right! McDonald’s in Rome, like the rest of Italy offers a gluten free burger and cheeseburger and safely fried French fries to those of you who are in the mood for something fast! Check the Mcdonald’s company website for your nearest branch in Rome.

May 20, 2019May 20, 2019

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Hong Kong: The Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

This year I took my very first trip to Asia to visit a friend in Hong Kong. A city full to the brim with amazing Dim Sum and other traditionally glutenous treats, I was sceptical about just how well I would eat when I was there. I had heard endless reports of just how hard it is to come across safe gluten free options and so took it upon myself to research every single place I would be eating. What happened? I ended finding some amazing places and never went hungry. From Dim Sum to Venezuelan Empanadas, from crepes to epic toasties – Hong Kong really does have it all! Check out my guide for a number of options within Hong Kong itself and a bonus addition for Macao, which is just an hour’s ferry ride away and well worth a trip.

Sweetpea Cafe

Officially Hong Kong’s sole 100% spot, Sweetpea Cafe really found a gap in the market. This gorgeous little cafe is hidden away in the hilly streets of Hong Kong Central and has a menu with more options than you would think from the size of the place itself. Get ready to be wowed by the impressive cake counter as soon as you walk into the shop, which offers a selection of vegan and sugar free cakes too. The sandwiches here are all delicious, and individually made to order, including a selection of toasties. However be warned, Sweetpea Cafe works on a cash only basis and prices are high as, unsurprisingly, gluten free products are hard to source in Hong Kong. I thought this was a great shame however as I would have quite happily eaten breakfast here most days had it been more affordable. Definitely a must-visit, if for nothing more than a wonderful slice of cake and a latte with homemade nut mylk! Closed on Mondays.

Where?
4 Shin Hing Street
Hong Kong Central

Fresca

Another Hong Kong Central find, Fresca offers up healthy breakfast and lunch options which you can either enjoy in-store or to go. Fresca is most known for its amazing salad bar, which boasts many gluten free options that can be mixed and matched for a decent sized lunch. The cafe also offers several gluten free sweet treats however, which are widely advertised. Their steamed muffins come in several flavours and are made using all natural ingredients. I opted for salted caramel, which paired nicely with a coffee. The gluten free crepes are undoubtedly the yummiest thing on the menu at Fresca however, and come stuffed with either banana and nutella or baked apples and summer berries. Closed on Mondays.

Brickhouse

Everyone headed to Hong Kong must put one night aside to head to Brickhouse where nearly all tacos are gluten free! Even better, if you go on Monday or Tuesday, the restaurant has a great deal on tacos between 6pm and 8pm and always has a delicious taco of the month on offer. Several starters are also gluten free – just be sure to ask a member of staff for guidance on the menu. Brickhouse fills up pretty quickly most nights so get there early to avoid disappointment. We were lucky enough to sit at the bar in front of the chefs and so got to watch all our delicious food being prepared (which is basically my version of being in a toy shop). Don’t forget to wash your food down with several of the house margaritas – they’re fantastic! Closed on Sundays.

Where?
20 D’Aguilar Street
Hong Kong Central

Yardbird

For the most delicious rice dishes you’ll try during your entire stay, head straight to Yardbird. This chicken-lovers paradise is located in the bustling Sheung Wan area of Hong Kong and pays great attention to dietary requirements. A number of rice dishes – including the unbeatable Chicken Rice – are gluten free and both incredibly filling and good value for money. While the fried chicken on offer at Yardbird is also gluten free, it is not coeliac safe due to cross contamination and the use of a shared fryer. While this was heartbreaking to learn at first, I quickly got over it when I received my main and a delicious steaming bowl of edamame beans. Top marks for both food and the general vibe at this Soho hotspot. Closed on Sundays.

Where?
154-158 Wing Lok Street
Sheung Wan
Hong Kong

Picada

I did not expect to find so much amazing Latin American food in Hong Kong but I really hit the jackpot with Picada. Not only does this restaurant offer an amazing variety of meat and fish dishes as main courses, but an impressive starter selection too including (lo and behold) gluten free fried chicken AND gluten free empanadas. Of course we had to order both and we were by no means disappointed. It was hard to believe the fried chicken was gluten free and the empanadas were not only beautiful (pink, green and yellow) but each and every one delicious. Picada also has a delicious selection of cocktails and live music on the weekends – what’s not to like? Closed on Saturdays.

Where?
2F & 3F LKF 29 Building
29 Wyndham Street
Hong Kong Central

Madame Fu

I was told that gluten free dim sum was not a thing. Whoever told me this was oh so wrong. Madame Fu – a beautiful eatery tucked away in the brand new Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts – offers a fully gluten free menu to diners upon request which includes a selection of phenomenal dim sum. A little on the pricier side, this restaurant also has a selection of gluten free main dishes and desserts which are all almost too pretty to eat. I highly recommend a trip here for lunch one day when you’re wanting a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Where?
Shop 03-101A Blk
3 No.10 Hollywood Rd
Hong Kong Central

Mott 32

Located in the Standard Chartered Bank Building, Mott 32 has two Michelin stars. The menu is mostly designed for sharing and offers up traditional Cantonese cuisine with a modern flair. Gluten free diners will receive an extensive gluten free menu upon request, which is almost identical to the regular menu with the exception of a handful of dishes. We ordered from the gluten free menu and shared everything, including lobster dim sum which was probably the most delicious thing I had during my entire stay in Hong Kong. While the meal was expensive it was totally worth it and an ideal spot for a special occasion or when you feel tempted to just treat yourself!

Where?
Standard Chartered Bank Building
4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central
Hong Kong Central

Pizza Express

I was as surprised as you to see that not only does Pizza Express exist in Hong Kong, it offers gluten free bases too! With several branches across the city, rest assured you can give into those pizza cravings pretty easily whilst in Hong Kong. We opted for takeaway gluten free pizzas one evening as a no-fuss dinner and the bases were just as good as in the UK and the attention paid to dietary requirements also on a par. Check the company website for your closest branch.

Shopping

Filling up your suitcase with gluten free bread and other essentials before heading to Hong Kong is something I would highly recommend. However, a chain of supermarkets around the city – Market Place by Jason’s – has an impressive selection of sweet treats and snacks that you can top up with whilst you are there. I noticed a number of gluten free bread, cake and pancake mixes so ideal if you are staying in self-catered accommodation during your stay. Important to note there is no dedicated gluten free section in these stores so be prepared to scour the aisles like I did. Check the company website for your nearest branch.

Gluten Free at the Venetian in Macau

During my time in Hong Kong, we took a day trip to Macau, via the Turbo Jet Ferry which took just under one hour. Known as Chinese Vegas, Macao is home to multiple famous hotels including the MGM Grand, The Parisian, Mandarin Oriental and more. We opted for a bottomless brunch at The Venetian where we sat for three hours plus indulging in The Portofino restaurant’s endless raw seafood, steak, cheese and salad bars as well as limitless mimosas, Bloody Marys and more. The gluten free options here were fantastic and I was given great guidance by staff on duty as to what was gluten free. I was brought my own basket of gluten free bread but I advise stating your dietary requirements when you book to ensure they have bread for you. Check the hotel website for current prices and table availability.

November 6, 2018November 7, 2018

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Naked Souvlaki Box by The Athenian

Where From? The Athenian
Available at the London and Bristol Locations

Having to skip on the warm and fluffy pitta bread when tucking into Greek food is definitely a sad state of affairs. However, when you find Greek food that is so good there’s no real need for the bread, you’re winning, and that’s exactly what I found at The Athenian! This modern chain brings traditional Greek flavours to the street food scene and is very allergen aware. The Athenian states clearly on its menu that the “Naked Souvlaki” is naturally gluten free, which is a box of fresh Greek Salad with herbs and grilled meat skewers – perfect with an accompanying portion of halloumi cheese. The team will also change their gloves for you when prepping your meal if you request gluten free, to avoid cross contamination, and will withhold the fries, which are not gluten free as they are fried together with other gluten-containing items. Go check this place out – you have four London locations to choose from, including inside my local hotspot Tooting Market. The Athenian also has a Bristol location, so what are you waiting for?

September 23, 2018November 17, 2021

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Barcelona: The Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

My memories from Barcelona when I was little are filled with bread, croquettes and other gluten-filled Spanish delicacies. When I took my first trip to the Catalan capital as a member of the gluten free crowd therefore, I was worried. Turns out, there was no need to worry in the slightest. Barcelona has quickly become one of my favourite global spots for not only gluten free Spanish food, but gluten free pizzas, cakes and more. Everywhere you need to visit when in Barcelona is detailed in this trusty guide that is sure to leave you craving another trip purely for the food!

The Chok Shop Gluten Free

Did you ever dream of getting your hands on a gluten free cronut (aka, croissant meets donut)? Well, your dreams can now become a reality as this 100% gluten free branch of Barcelona chain “The Chok Shop” offers them in multiple flavours, as well as a shop full of chocolate-based baked treats. Try the cake pops and truffles on your way out – such a treat! Please note the other Chok Shop branches are not gluten free so make sure you head to the below address!

Where?
Carrer de les Ramelleres, 26
08001 Barcelona

Casa Lupita

The newest 100% gluten free bakery on the Barcelona block, Casa Lupita is a true gem of a place, where resident dog Lupita will greet you upon arrival. Here you can get your hands on the BEST brioche toasted sandwiches and the most beautiful sweet treats. The lovely owners also offer a glorious selection of vegan delights too and are known for their cake masterpieces. Sandwiches, cakes, resident pooch – I mean tell me what there isn’t to like about this place?! Closed on Mondays.

Where?
Carrer del Coronel Sanfeliu 10
08018 Barcelona

Gula Sana

A new addition to the gluten free scene in Barcelona, this 100% gluten free eatery has more of a cafe vibe, as you have to walk past the long counter filled with sweet and savoury treats to get to the seating area. In the summer, seats are available outside and a perfect location to enjoy Gula Sana’s vast ice cream selection in a gluten free cone of course! Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or an early dinner here and don’t forget to try the Red Velvet cake!

Where?
Carrer de la Diputació, 361
08009 Barcelona

Amiette – NOW CLOSED

If you want the best gluten free croissant of your life, go straight to Amiette – one of Barcelona’s 100% gluten free bakeries which has really hit the nail on the head when it comes to free from pastry and bread. You have a choice of plain croissants or those filled with ham and cheese or sweet fillings like chocolate and custard. I recommend going first thing in the morning when they are fresh out the oven. This bakery is purely a take-out destination, so why not grab some treats and take them to a local park? Or eat them in the street, outside the shop as I did because I couldn’t wait! Closed on Sundays.

Where?
Carrer de Calàbria, 65
08015 Barcelona

Patisseria Jansana Gluten Free

A gluten free staple in Barcelona, this beautiful bakery in the Eixample neighborhood has been spoiling customers for years with their stunning sweets and savoury treats. The selection is neverending, and you will never come out with just one item – it truly is impossible. Grab a sandwich to go on fresh bread of your choice, with a number of fillings, which are made on the spot or eat in, with a coffee, and enjoy some of the more delicate savoury open faced sandwiches. The croissants here are also top notch, as are the donuts, cookies, macarons and eclairs.

Where?
Carrer de Balmes, 106
08008 Barcelona

Pasticelia

Perfect spot for breakfast or brunch, Pasticelia is another 100% gluten free haven located in the Esquerra de L’Eixample neighorhood. Like Jansana, Pasticelia will prepare you a sandwich of your choice on fresh bread to take away or eat in. The chocolate croissants here and palmeras are not to be missed, and should preferably be enjoyed on one of the bakery’s comfy chairs with a cafe con leche. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where?
Carrer de Paris, 165
08036 Barcelona

Celiadictos

This 100% gluten free gem has been open for several years now, serving locals with unbeatable freshly baked gluten free bread and cakes. Customers can pick their loaves off of a trolley which showcases all varieties of bread that Celiadictos bake each day and is constantly topped up. The cakes here were some of the prettiest I’ve seen – including the merengue pie and apple tartlette. Be sure to grab an Ensaimada – a traditional Mallorcan pastry that resembles a sausage roll – they are absolutely incredible! Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where?
Carrer de la Pobla de Lillet, 5
08028 Barcelona

Cal Marius 449

Gluten free tapas are still a rarity in Barcelona so gluten free people will rejoice in knowing they can safely eat croquetas, empanadillas and more at the famous Cal Marius bar. The menu, which also prominently features pastrami on gluten free bagels or baguette, is 100% gluten free. Regular gluten bread can be ordered upon request if you are dining with a non gluten free diner. Be sure to check out Cal Marius’ impressive gluten free beer menu whilst you’re there to accompany your meal! Closed on Tuesdays.

Where?
Carrer de Mallorca, 449
08013 Barcelona

La Fabrica Empanadas Argentinas

What a joy that this Argentine empanada shop now offers gluten free and coeliac safe empanadas! Available in a handful of flavours, these GF savoury hot pockets are heated in separate packaging and in a separate oven to avoid cross contamination. This shop has three locations across the city, see below for the details of the shop I visited.

Where?
Carrer del Call 19
08002 Barcelona

My Fucking Restaurant

Did someone say 100% GLUTEN FREE TAPAS? Head on down to El Raval neighbourhood for a culinary treat which fuses Catalan and Italian flavours. The menu features ossobuco croquetas, chicken fried patatas bravas, a tortilla to die for, jamon and so much more but better still, you don’t have to worry one bit about cross contamination! Perfect spot for dinner but be sure to book in advance as this hotspot is popular, and I’m not at all surprised! Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Where?
Carrer Nou de la Rambla 35
08001 Barcelona

Copasetic

The perfect spot for brunch, Copasetic is a long-time favourite of mine, located in the Eixample neighbourhood. Take your pick from a numer of gluten free options on the menu from hamburgers to eggs florentine. I can never say no to a savoury crepe here however, which I usually order stuffed with ham and cheese, followed by a homemade gluten free cake – the selection of which changes daily. Closed on Mondays.

Where?
Carrer de la Diputació, 55
08015 Barcelona

Conesa Entrepans

Sometimes what you need in a city like Barcelona is a quick place to grab a bite. Conesa Entrepans is a regular sandwich shop which offers most of its sandwiches on gluten free baguette, which are toasted on their own separate grills to avoid cross contamination. A decent option for when you’re rushing around sightseeing – their ham and cheese baguettes are incredibly moreish! Closed on Sundays.

Where?
Carrer de la Llibreteria, 1
08002 Barcelona

Viena

This Spanish fast food restaurant has more than 10 branches around the city and a coeliac-safe menu upon request. The menu features a number of grilled sandwich options which are all prepared separately and can be accompanied by gluten free friendly french fries. Sometimes all you need is gluten free junk food! For your closest restaurant, check out the company website.

M2 Gluten Free

This 100% gluten free restaurant is a great shout for brunch when you’re in Barcelona. M2 Gluten Free makes good use of local, fresh produce to create several delicious open faced sandwiches and egg dishes. There’s no worry about cross contamination here which makes eating a breeze, and there are even vegan options. If I were you, I’d opt for the open faced turkey sandwich with tomato and avocado on delicious gluten free toast.

Where?
Avinguda Diagonal, 505
08029 Barcelona

Il Piccolo Focone

If you want real Italian food whilst you’re in Barcelona, look no further than Il Piccolo Focone. This restaurant has a gluten free menu which includes the most incredible pizzas, pastas and desserts – all of which are prepared safely. I always start with the fried artichokes before tucking into a pizza. Finishing with the gluten free tiramisu is also advisable! Closed on Sundays.

Plan C

Another 100% gluten free tapas haven, this new Barcelona restaurant is the perfect spot for dinner and offers up the best classic Spanish tortilla I have had in a while as well as incredible albondigas, with extra sauce for dipping. Plan C also boasts delightful deep fried mozarella sticks, the crunchiest chicken bites and even a homemade canneloni small plate. Another must-book-in-advance place. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where?
Carrer de Valencia 168
08011 Barcelona

Enrique Tomas

This classic jamoneria FINALLY offers gluten free bread so you can get your hands on a GF jamon sandwich of dreams! The gluten free sandwiches are prepped in a separate area to avoid cross contamination and are available in a variety of flavours. These sandwiches are on the pricier side but worth a try to enjoy the novelty of grabbing a fresh sandwich to go. This well-known chain has multiple shops across the city – please check their website for your closest location.

McDonald’s

Yes, Barcelona is another city where you can enjoy gluten free McDonald’s! All McDonald’s in the city have carefully marked gluten free menus, which include almost all beef burgers and fries with the option of a gluten free bun. If you’d rather enjoy the city’s other gluten free options during your stay in Barcelona, you can enjoy a gluten free McDonald’s in the airport on your way out.

Messie Sin Gluten

This 100% gluten free pizzeria is a great lunch or light dinner option. The bases here are thin and crispy and come with a variety of toppings, which can be accompanied by one of the delicious salads on offer. I have never seen a larger gluten free beer selection, which includes a number of international beers as well as Spanish.

Where?
Carrer de Siracusa, 15
08012 Barcelona

Restaurant En Ville

Another 100% gluten free tapas restaurant, but this time with a French twist. En Ville is a gorgeous space located near Las Ramblas and is ideal for dinner. All tapas are gluten free on a menu that proudly displays a gluten free bread option on its first page. While En Ville offers a number of delicious main dishes, I was not able to get past the tapas and even ordered a second round of the croquetas de jamon which were absolutely melt in the mouth. Save room for dessert – En Ville serves up a gluten free giant cream puff which comes with hot chocolate sauce to pour over. Closed on Sunday.

Out of China

How long has it been since you ate dim sum? Well at Out of China your gluten free dreams can come true as free from options are available for most of the dim sum selection. It’s therefore hard not to go crazy with the dumpling selection but if possible save room for some soup or a main dish. You’ll also feel safe at Out of China – as soon as you say you are gluten free or coeliac, your very own gluten free soy sauce pot will be delivered to your table.

Where?
Carrer d’Aribau, 112
08036 Barcelona

Envalira

Everyone needs to eat paella when in Spain. Whilst far from Valencia – the home of paella – no frills eatery Envalira serves up the best Spanish rice in Barcelona, with a clearly marked allergen menu presented to all diners. Take your pick from a number of fresh and grilled starters, and be sure to follow those with traditional paella and arroz negro – black rice coloured with squid’s ink – an absolute delicacy. Closed on Mondays.

Where?
Plaça del Sol, 13
08012 Barcelona

Gocce di Latte

Your one stop shop for gelato whilst in Barcelona should be Gocce di Latte – an ice cream shop which has a 100% gluten and dairy free branch on the same street as its regular store. It’s a cross-contaminatin free zone and stays open late so is perfect for those late night sweet cravings. Cash-only.

Where?
Carrer d’Espaseria, 14
08003 Barcelona

Shopping

Barcelona has a multitude of supermarkets which have a huge offering of gluten free products from cookies, breads and snacks to chilled pastas and frozen pizzas and tapas. The top chains for gluten free are Mercadona, Carrefour and Alcampo. Check out the company websites for your closest branches.

September 5, 2018September 6, 2018

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Ardiciocca: A 100% Gluten Free Trattoria Experience in Fulham

London’s ever-expanding gluten free scene is full of Italian food. Pizzas, pastas and more can often be found in gluten free form at restaurants across the city. Italian restaurants that cater entirely to gluten free diners are however, still a novelty. 100% gluten free trattoria Ardiciocca opened up shop three months ago in Fulham and has since remained a hidden gem – well until now.

Ardiciocca is the latest project from Roberto Costa and the group behind Macellaio RC, which owns four other Italian restaurants in London and one in Milan. The goal for the new Fulham eatery was simple – Costa wanted to make the “comforting, homely” recipes of his childhood available to everyone – not just gluten eaters. The menu lends itself to simple and delicious flavours, many of which will instantly make you feel like you’re on vacation in Italy, as opposed to southwest London.

With a chilled glass of Prosecco in our hands, we took our pick from the eclectic selection of starters, settling not on one, but three small plates to share between us. The mussel and potato croquettes instantly caught my eye in the typical way that a gluten free person is drawn to breaded, deep fried treats after lengthy periods without. While the croquettes were crispy, warm and bursting with flavour, I couldn’t help but think how a light aioli would have completed the dish. We also chose the salami, broad bean, pecorino cheese and fresh bread plate – the star of the show of which was most certainly the salami, dominated by a strong truffle flavour. I was incredibly impressed by the homemade bread, which was served warm from the oven. My dinner date Mateja also insisted on trying the brain – a delicacy which came fried in light crispy batter.

Ardiciocca has a wide array of main dishes to choose from, which go way beyond the traditional pizza/pasta offering of many Italian eateries. These range from pickled fried mackerel to sausage stew and homemade hearty minestrone. However, we simply could not resist giving the Sardinian gnocchi and sausage ragú a go, as well as the Nduja pizza – the dough of which is made with gluten free flour and Ferrarelle water before it is left to rise for 72 hours. The ragú was perfectly seasoned and incredibly moreish, leaving me wishing for a second bowl. The pizza crust was thin and light, and topped with flavourful passata, creamy mozzarella and spicy sausage, the kick from which was neutralised softened slightly by the addition of fresh lemon and rocket.

While we had next to no room left for dessert, I could not pass up the opportunity to sample the basil infused panna cotta – a flavour combination I had never seen on a menu before. It was tangy and refreshing, served with a drizzle of Italian honey on the side. The homemade chocolate torte is also definitely worth a try, only lacking in a side dollop of creme fraiche or gelato, which I’ll be sure to request next time I go.

Anyone in Fulham and beyond must not miss out on the opportunity to eat here for a meal full of flavour, tradition and excellent service to boot. Don’t forget to try a different glass of Italian wine with each course – you won’t be sorry!

Ardiciocca

461-465 North End Road

Fulham

London SW6 INZ

020-3848-6830

(Tables Bookable via email or telephone)

June 21, 2018June 21, 2018

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Scarlett Green: Home of the Gluten and Dairy Free Aussie Brunch

Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, so much so that I have been known to go to sleep already looking forward to a feast the next morning. When I discovered I couldn’t eat gluten I feared that this love of all things breakfast might quickly go down the drain as so many options became unsafe for me on restaurant menus and in supermarket aisles. I am therefore on a constant quest to find the perfect breakfast spots that cater to people with gluten allergies, intolerances and coeliac disease.

One of those spots has got to be Scarlett Green – the newest addition to the Daisy Green Collection, which most of you will know for their hefty Aussie brunches and boho decor. My friend and fellow journalist Bryony and I ventured there recently to try out their brand new gluten and dairy free menus and boy, were we positively overwhelmed. Not only are diners with dietary requirements immediately given a number of user-friendly allergen menus to look at (and I’m not talking about the dreaded allergen books guys!), they are given a mound of options too. Most gluten free dishes can be adapted to be dairy free and vice versa, which meant that Bryony and I took more time than usual to make up our minds. From fritters to full Aussie breakfasts, granolas to french toast – the world at Scarlett Green is basically your oyster, and the staff will help you with any questions you have and immediately put you at ease.

A couple of almond lattes and flat whites down, Bryony and I opted for the Smoked Salmon Royale on gluten free bread and The Bondi Breakfast, complete with bacon, eggs, avocado, mushrooms and avocado. After much perusing of the smoothie and fresh juices menu, I decided to pair my breakfast with a Raspberry and Lime cooler which is made using fresh lemonade and could not have been more refreshing. The breakfasts arrived speedily and the generous portion sizes immediately caught our eye – it is not every day that you venture to a gluten free friendly spot where servings are ample enough to keep you going until lunch. Nor were we disappointed by the flavours – Scarlett Green’s use of fresh, honest produce and ingredients really shone through during our meal.

Despite what I say about portion size above, Bryony and I could not possibly resist something sweet. As we wanted to share, the chef kindly prepared us a beautiful gluten and dairy free coconut bread plate, topped with a coconut yoghurt and soy milk mixture, raspberry coulis, fresh berries and mango. Maple syrup is optional here but I would highly recommend a drizzle, as would I the turmeric lattes which we washed the whole meal down with. I came out feeling not only well-fed but relaxed, and that’s all down to the kitchen and wait staff at Scarlett Green. They made us feel welcome and taken care of, which are both so important for anyone dining out with dietary requirements. I could not recommend this place enough, and urge you to head into Soho to start your day there. Equally, the Daisy Green Collection has eight more locations so take your pick and rest assured that you will eat well!

The Daisy Green Collection Restaurants are all open for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner from Monday to Sunday.

Scarlett Green
4 Noel Street
London W1F 8GB
(Tables Bookable via the company website)

Tag: restaurant

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Scarlett Green: Home of the Gluten and Dairy Free Aussie Brunch